More warrants issued in burglary

July 10, 2007

By Sharna Johnson: CNJ staff writer

Police on Tuesday obtained three more arrest warrants, bringing the total to six wanted in connection with the burglary and arson of a Cannon Air Force Base master sergeant’s home, according to Clovis Police Capt. Patrick Whitney.

Holly Scott, 18, Steffanie Michaels, 18, and a 16-year-old female are being sought on charges of burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary, Whitney said.

Efforts to contact the females for comment were unsuccessful.

So far only one defendant in the case has been arrested, according to court records.

Last week warrants were issued for three Clovis men in connection with the incident after a search warrant served at the home of 18-year-old James Johnson led to the recovery of items taken from the home of Master Sgt. Vince Bowers, police said.

Whitney said a second search warrant was served at Johnson’s home on Tuesday where more items belonging to Bowers and his family were recovered.

A warrant for burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary has been issued for Johnson, who has not yet been arrested.

Lonnie “Dewayne” Allsup II, 18, was arrested and released on $10,000 bond Friday.

Thomas Smerer, 20, is also charged and has not been apprehended.

None of the men charged could be reached for comment.

Allsup’s attorney, Tye Harmon, has declined comment.

Police allege the six took part in entering the Bowerses’ home June 30 while the family was away on a camping trip.

Witnesses told police a group of teens had a pool party and occupied the home for approximately 12 hours, ending in a fire early in the morning July 1.

The home was burglarized and ransacked, and the fire that started in the attic caused significant damage to the home, a police report said.